A Cup of Tea with… Nyasha Musandu

Time for another cuppa and a chat with our Training Unit Manager, Nyasha Musandu.

How did you get into International Development?

It was a bit of a career stumble. I had finished my studies in Philosophy and was able to write well so I joined Inter Press Services, a development news organisation. It got me introduced into development-orientated things.

If you could be any animal, what would you be?

A cat I guess. They know what they want to do every day.

How long does it take you to describe what CommsConsult does to your family and friends?

I’ve been working for CommsConsult for three years now, so I’m determined that my family understand what I do in my fourth year! I say we offer strategic communications and solutions for development organisations.

Can you explain in one sentence what you do for CommsConsult?

I am the training unit manager involved in capacity building and I liaise with different clients and provide a range of modules.

If you could take-up a new hobby or learn a new skill what would it be?

I would love to learn to play the drums.

Do you have a life motto?

Ooh I don’t really know. I always refer back to the phrase ‘esto Perpetua’, which means ‘let it be forever’. I understand it as, whatever you do be ok with that. Let your actions be forever.

How do you stay informed with the news and current affairs?

I use the normal channels like Twitter, Facebook, BBC and I have push alerts for all these. I don’t watch TV so I hear a lot of things through word of mouth.

What is your favourite blog or website that you read regularly?

I really like Thought Catalog. I also love Humans of New York. It just makes me so happy to see the diversity and positivity from these photos and the comments. There is so much depth to them and they can be so insightful.

What advice do you have for anyone working in International Development?

Go for it! Don’t give up! It sometimes looks that you don’t achieve very much but what you contribute does continue to make a difference just at a smaller level. Harness your passion and take it one day at a time.

Future goals?

I would love to complete my PhD. Maybe in Philosophy or maybe in something development focussed.